Human Histologic Analysis of Implant Osseointegration in a Healed Site Grafted with Nondemineralized Autologous Tooth-Derived Graft Material

Abstract

Autologous tooth-derived grafts (ATDGs) have gained popularity as bone substitute biomaterials, owing to their promising healing dynamics in vivo and to patient preference for repurposing hopeless teeth. Nonetheless, concerns exist regarding the biologic response of these ATDGs in preparation for implant placement and subsequent osseointegration. After 12 weeks of extraction socket healing, an implant with an acid-etched surface was placed using osseodensification osteotomy preparation and was retrieved after 16 weeks of integration. Histologic analysis revealed ≥ 64% of direct bone-to-implant contact at multiple regions of interest along the implant surface. Residual dentin particles were scarce and were never found in contact with the implant, suggesting that the ATDG did not interfere with implant osseointegration. Despite the overall trabecular structure of the adjacent maxillary bone with large marrow spaces, the implant surface was delineated with a continuous dense mineralized zone (thickness of 2 to 5 cell layers) with vital osteoblasts in the lacunae. These results suggest that the healing dynamics of ATDG are well aligned with implant osseointegration dynamics.